Warning: Popular Meds May Increase Stroke Risk Up to 94%

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

Suffering from heartburn or acid reflux is miserable.

The constant burning, nausea and pain are so uncomfortable; you would take just about anything to get some relief.

And like most of America, you may reach for a pill to put the fire out.

But it turns out that some of the most popular heartburn meds around may come with deadly risks that we’ve never been warned about.

You see, research recently presented at an American Heart Association conference shows that some of these meds, like Protonix, may increase your risk of suffering from stroke by up to 94 percent.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do right now to win the war with heartburn — no pills required.

For many years, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been prescribed for heartburn at an alarming rate, even though they’re associated with poor heart health, heart attacks, dementia and kidney disease.

And Danish researchers recently found they also can cause stroke.

The scientists studied nearly 250,000 patients who suffered from indigestion and stomach pain and were taking one of the following PPIs: Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix.

After scouring the data, they uncovered some shocking statistics.

Taking a PPI increased participants’ overall risk of stroke by a shocking 21 percent.

Additionally, they found that when taken at the highest doses, stroke risk upped 30 percent for Prilosec and Prevacid patients, 50 percent for Nexium and 94 percent for Protonix patients.

However, the researchers noted that patients who took the lowest available dose experienced little or no risk of stroke.

For decades now, many experts have questioned the amount of folks taking these types of drugs. Especially since making just a few lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating less, chewing gum after meals, losing weight and cutting down on spicy foods can resolve heartburn.

If you’re taking a PPI currently, you should talk to your doctor about it. Find out if you can lower your dosage or even get off it. Doing either of these might just save your life.

Live well,

Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily

Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: nmoore@lfb.org – and click here to like us on Facebook.


Sources

[1] Popular heartburn medication may increase ischemic stroke risk

[2] Mechanisms involved in the gastro-protective effect of STW 5 (Iberogast) and its components against ulcers and rebound acidity.

 

 

Natalie Moore

Written By Natalie Moore

Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.

View More Free Articles

The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....

Read This

The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health

I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...

Read This

“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead

You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...

Read This

Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer

“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...

Read This

Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk

We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...

Read This

Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It

Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....

Read This

Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal

Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...

Read This

Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple

Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....

Read This

Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom

From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...

Read This

The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory

Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...

Read This